Ashridge study on impact of sleep on productivity help companies to understand the effects of altered sleep patterns during Ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan usually affects sleep patterns as the daily schedules of those who are fasting changes.  A recent study by Ashridge Executive Education, on sleep patterns of executives, helps managers in the region to be more aware of the effects of altered sleep patterns during Ramadan and be more understanding of its impact on productivity.

Ashridge’s research focused on three areas, basically performance at work, social life, physical and emotional health. As part of the study, the sleeping habits of professionals ranging from junior managers to C-suite executives were examined.  In the large-scale study conducted, responses from over 1,000 executives about the quantity and quality of their sleep were analysed, and how this impacted on their lives.

The research has clearly identified that Generation Y workers, between the ages of 20 – 34 years are at the greatest risk of suffering negatively from sleep loss.

According to Rory Hendrikz, Director of Ashridge Middle East, “Though other age groups also feel the physical effects of sleep loss, it is the younger generation that appeared to be affected more acutely, with the older generation having adverse physical effects such as back pain, vision imparity, and increased appetite. Emotionally, the most widespread effect of sleep loss felt by the professionals within this study was feeling more irritable, especially 85% of the Gen Y. People also reported feeling more stressed, having less energy to socialise with friends and family, and being less able to see things from others’ point of view.”

Apart from work performance, the impact of sleep loss on the social life, emotional and physical health of executives was clearly demonstrated throughout the research, with over 76% of people aged 20-34 years feeling lethargic all the time.

Understanding individual sleep needs and raising awareness was key to create a favorable work environment, as stated by Hendrikz, “Managers raising awareness of the impact of sleep loss within the organisation creates a safe environment for others and also raises the legitimacy of sleep management for adequacy in work life and for overall health.”

Ashridge Executive Education is a non-profit making organization with over 20 years’ experience in training business leaders in the Middle East.